Sustainalytics, a global provider of ESG and corporate governance products and services based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, announced today its acquisition of GES International, a Stockholm, Sweden–based global provider of engagement, screening and fiduciary voting services to institutional investors.

“We believe GES’ proven approach to constructive issuer engagement will significantly enhance our clients’ abilities to manage ESG risk, alongside improving companies’ ESG performance,” said Sustainalytics’ CEO, Michael Jantzi, in a release. “The strengths and capabilities that our two firms bring to the global investment community comes at a critical time with engagement on ESG issues becoming a more important tool for investors in executing their ESG strategies.”

With the acquisition, Sustainalytics now has 17 offices worldwide, with more than 500 team members, 200 of whom are devoted to research and 20 to engagement services. Almost all of the roughly 65 GES employees, including the entire senior management team, will join Sustainalytics. The transaction was completed on Jan. 2, 2019.